Top pick: #8 (BLACK N BEAUTY) - Thought he looked good in winning his seasonal debut here going a mile on Jan. 7, then got involved in a multi horse speed duel last out in the Holy Bull Stakes(G3) before tiring down the stretch. He has a stalking gear and has a pair of fine breezes since his last race. Can win this very tough race at a nice price.
2nd pick: #7 (Leave of Absence) - Talented colt was one of the more impressive maiden winners in New York last year and he finished a rallying second here on the first Sat. of the meet in the Spectacular Bid Stakes. Last out he had a very rough race in the Holy Bull and was never involved. Son of "Harlan's Holiday" has a bullet work at Palm Meadows 4 days ago that suggests he'll run his race today. Threat from just off the pace.
3rd pick: #3 (Travelin Man) - The probable heavy favorite has been the talk of the track since his maiden win here when debuting on Jan. 6. He rated early, took over when asked, and romped home by just over 7 lengths, earning a lofty 106 Beyer Speed Figure. He moves right into graded stakes competition and we'll find out a lot more about him in this spot. He's one of a pair from the barn of Todd Pletcher and they'll race incoupled.